Last April 1, I had the opportunity to attend the dedication ceremony for the IEEE Milestone commemorating the inventions of Alan Dower Blumlein in the early 1930s. The event counted on the presence of over 100 attendees and took place in Studio Two of Abbey Road Studios, London (UK), which is the same studio where the Beatles recorded its very much acclaimed album titled, also, “Abbey Road”.

Alan Blumlein, grandson of the inventor, was the anchor person of the ceremony. He gave the floor to all the participants in the event. First, Steve Nightingale, chair of the IEEE UK and Ireland Section, gave a brief welcome and talked about the importance of this Milestone and about the technicals contributions done by Alan Dower Blumlein.

Next, the IEEE President, Howard Michel, gave a speech about what the IEEE is and about what the Milestone’s Program represents. He ended his address by officially offering the Milestone to the Abbey Road Studios.

Afterwards, Martin Bastianns, on behalf of the IEEE Region 8, first said some words on the Milestones already dedicated in Region 8 to put next the focus on those dedicated in UK and Ireland. He also introduced the IEEE Region 8 Newsletter as a way to be updated on the activities carried out in Region 8.

Next, Martin introduced me and I followed to him by addressing a brief talk on the total amount of Milestones dedicated all around the world and the one ton of bronze used to cast them until now. On behalf of the IEEE History Committee, I congratulated to all people involved in this Milestone, specially to the IEEE UK and Ireland Section, the Blumlein’s familiy and the Abbey Road Studios (which is the present owner of the site). I ended my speech by encouraging the promotion of new Milestones coming from UK and Ireland.

Ms. Isabel Garvey, Managing Director of the Abbey Road Studios, expressed her gratitute to the IEEE and formally accepted the Milestone. She also said how much the Abbey Road Studios support and value having this Plaque into its premises.

Mr. Simon Blumlein, son of the inventor, finally talked to thank the IEEE such an important recognition given to his father and, a little bit moved, he also remembered some anecdotes on his father.

The ceremony ended with the unveiling of the plaque by Howard Michel, Ms. Isabel Garvey, Mr. Simon Blumlein (son) and Mr. Alan Blumlein (grandson).

Later on, there was a keynote speech on Alan Dower Blumlein addressed by Robert Charles Alexander, author of the book “The Inventor of Stereo: the life and works of Alan Dower Blumlein”, and a technical seminar on past, present and future of Audio Engineering hosted by Bill Foster, vice President for Northern Europe of the Audio Engineering Society.